C/ Zarco, 15.

The next stop is on Zarco Street, a street that completely surrounds the Viana Palace which, interestingly, opens its exceptional gardens and courtyards during this time for anyone who wishes to visit them. The palace courtyards are not covered in this section because we have already analyzed them individually in their own section.

Returning to the matter at hand, the Courtyard at 15 Zarco Street is located within a newly built single-family home. Porticoed on all four sides, elegant segmental arches open up, supported by slender, smooth-shafted columns, giving the ensemble great plasticity and distinction.

Architectural and Decorative Elements

Above the left gallery is a covered terrace. In this gallery, you can find a tile dedicated to Archangel Saint Raphael, something very common in Córdoba, along with various copper pieces. The gallery opposite the door is covered by a small roof and decorated with filigree plate racks and several hunting trophies. We also find different column capitals throughout the courtyard, though interestingly, they are not serving their expected structural purpose, but instead act as bases for some of the flowerpots.

Additionally, one decorative feature that draws attention is located on one side of the courtyard: a steel ornament imitating an old cannon. In the right-hand gallery, attached to a pillar, there is a fountain with a statue of a child as the water spout. Many visitors have the habit of throwing coins into the fountain—perhaps it brings good luck.

Layout and Flooring

The floor of the Courtyard at Zarco Street is on two different height levels, and its paving is made of patterned brickwork with white and blue ceramic tiles. The center of the courtyard is adorned with a table filled with flowerpots and wrought iron chairs, all in white, which harmonize with the rest of the courtyard furnishings, as the entire space maintains very light colors that give it plenty of brightness.

Vegetation

All the terraces are adorned with hanging gitanillas, and throughout the courtyard one can see, among others, flowerpots with hydrangeas, alivias, anthuriums, lilies, fuchsias, wax flowers, round leaves, ferns, pericones, bride’s wreath (stephanotis), cornflowers, and viburnum with clusters of white blooms.

Awards and Recognitions

Among all the accolades the Courtyard at Zarco Street has received over the years, the natural lighting award in 1998 and the honorable mention in 2007 stand out.

Visiting the Patios of Córdoba

If you’re wondering what to do in Córdoba, we recommend visiting the Patios of Córdoba by booking one of our guided tours. There, we dedicate a special chapter to the Courtyard at 15 Zarco Street. Choose quality tourism with qualified personnel—no doubt about it, ArtenCórdoba is the best option.

Text: J.A.S.C.